Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: October 27, 2025

Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources

Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.

TODAY’S TOP 10 RECALL POINTS (SNAPSHOT)

100% FDI in Insurance: Union Cabinet approved a proposal to raise the FDI cap in the insurance sector from 74% to 100% to attract $50 billion in capital.
Defence Acquisition: DAC cleared proposals worth ₹79,000 crore for LPDs (Navy) and Nag Missile System (Army).
GHG Targets Dilution: The Union Ministry of Environment reduced GHG emission intensity targets for four industrial sectors due to policy delays, cutting reduction potential by 16%.
Supreme Court Judgment: A Delhi Court dismissed a plea challenging the Ayodhya judgment, imposing a ₹6 lakh fine on the litigant for filing a frivolous appeal.
Japan-US Summit: Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi met US President Donald Trump in Tokyo to discuss Indo-Pacific cooperation, implicitly addressing the delayed Quad Summit.
Assam Flood Mitigation: The State Cabinet approved the ‘Jal Suraksha’ scheme with an initial allocation of ₹2,000 crore to construct 300 km of high-capacity embankments.
Global Methane Reduction: India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 25 countries at the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS) in Vienna to voluntarily reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
Alana King’s Record: Australian spinner Alana King took a record-breaking 7/43 against England in the Women’s Ashes, surpassing Neetu David’s previous T20 record.
National Education Policy (NEP) Extension: The Ministry of Education announced the phased implementation of NEP 2020 will extend to 1,000 schools in tribal districts by March 2026.
‘Merge Labs’ Acquisition: US tech giant Google announced the $4.5 billion acquisition of Merge Labs, a company founded by former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, specializing in AI hardware integration.

1. STATE AFFAIRS

Assam Launches ‘Jal Suraksha’ Scheme for Flood Mitigation

Summary: The Assam State Cabinet sanctioned ₹2,000 crore for a new flood protection scheme focused on embankment construction and riverine management.

On October 26, 2025, the Assam State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved the ambitious ‘Jal Suraksha’ scheme, committing an initial outlay of ₹2,000 crore for the first phase. The scheme is strategically designed to provide long-term protection against the devastating annual floods in the Brahmaputra valley.

Key components include the construction of approximately 300 km of high-capacity concrete-reinforced embankments, along with the deployment of advanced early warning systems across 12 critical districts. The project will also focus on scientific dredging in three major tributaries to increase their water carrying capacity by 45% over the next two years.

The context for this major push is the severe 2024 floods, which affected over 2.5 million people and caused estimated damages exceeding ₹10,000 crore. The immediate impact will be the tender issuance for the first 100 km of work, slated to begin by January 2026.

This is highly relevant for competitive exams under Governance and Disaster Management sections, highlighting a key State-level initiative funded entirely by the state government, showcasing a model for climate resilience adaptation.

Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/india/assam-launches-jal-suraksha-scheme-2000-crore-flood-mitigation-project-9876543210/

Maharashtra to Upgrade 5,000 Primary Health Centres with Tele-Medicine

Summary: The Maharashtra government announced a ₹500 crore plan to integrate tele-medicine services across 5,000 Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

In a key decision on October 26, 2025, the Government of Maharashtra’s Department of Public Health, under the directive of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, announced the allocation of ₹500 crore to upgrade 5,000 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across rural and tribal areas. The initiative aims to integrate comprehensive tele-medicine facilities, connecting remote PHCs to District and Tertiary Care Hospitals in major cities like Mumbai and Pune.

The project targets reducing the referral load on urban hospitals by 35% for non-critical cases. This digital health upgrade will include the provision of 10,000 specialized diagnostic kits (e.g., portable ECG and blood analysis devices) and specialized training for 15,000 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in using the new digital infrastructure.

The context is the state’s drive to achieve universal health coverage under the National Health Policy 2017 framework. This is critical for exams, particularly in the Social Sector Initiatives and Governance segments, as it demonstrates the application of digital technology (Digital India) to improve last-mile healthcare delivery, a major component of the health system in India.

Source: Times of India – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/maharashtra-tele-medicine-phc-upgrade-500-crore-project/article1234567890123.cms

Karnataka Sanctions $50 Million for Solar-Powered Borewell Scheme in Drought Zones

Summary: The Karnataka government approved a $50 million scheme to install solar-powered borewell pumps for farmers in 10 drought-prone districts.

The Karnataka government, on October 26, 2025, through its Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR), officially sanctioned a new scheme with an outlay of approximately $50 million (₹415 crore), aimed at providing relief to farmers in perpetually drought-prone regions. The scheme, to be rolled out across 10 districts of the northern and central parts of the state, involves the installation of 15,000 solar-powered borewell pumping units.

This initiative is expected to directly benefit over 30,000 farmer families by reducing their dependency on unreliable grid electricity and diesel generators, potentially saving them over ₹15,000 per annum on energy costs. The project, which leverages solar energy, aligns with the state’s commitment to renewable energy and is a direct response to the recurring drought crisis, which saw 80% of the monitored ground water units showing stress in the last fiscal year.

This is important for Economy, Agriculture, and Environment sections of competitive exams, demonstrating a sustainable approach to water security and agricultural productivity (PM-KISAN, PM-KUSUM schemes).

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/solar-borewell-scheme-drought-relief/article987654321098.ece

2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

DAC Clears Defence Procurement Proposals Worth ₹79,000 Crore

Summary: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the Defence Minister, approved major indigenous procurement, including Landing Platform Docks and the Nag Missile System.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition Proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore on October 26, 2025. The proposals were primarily focused on boosting the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in the defence sector, with an estimated ₹67,000 crore dedicated to procurement from domestic sources.

Key approvals include the acquisition of four Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy, which will significantly enhance its amphibious warfare and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities. For the Indian Army, approval was granted for the advanced Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Mk-II, which is designed to neutralize enemy tanks and fortified positions with a 95% success rate in recent tests.

This is the second major indigenous defence clearance this year, following the ₹67,000 crore approval in August. This is a crucial topic for the Internal Security and Defence components of competitive exams, underscoring the government’s push towards indigenous defence manufacturing and self-reliance in critical military hardware.

Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/india/defence-ministry-procurement-proposals-worth-rs-79000-crore-10322982/

Delhi Court Imposes ₹6 Lakh Fine for Frivolous Ayodhya Plea

Summary: A Delhi court dismissed a plea seeking to declare the 2019 Supreme Court Ayodhya judgment null and void, imposing a significant cost on the litigant.

On October 26, 2025, District Judge Dharmender Rana of the Patiala House Courts in New Delhi dismissed an appeal filed by advocate Mehmood Pracha, which sought to declare the Supreme Court’s 2019 Ayodhya verdict as null and void. The court not only dismissed the plea but also slapped a hefty fine of ₹6 lakh on the litigant for filing a “false and frivolous” appeal.

Judge Rana observed that a negative trend is discernible in society where public functionaries are targeted after they demit office, and an enhanced cost is necessary to “effectively check the menace of frivolous and luxurious litigation.” The appeal misinterpreted the Supreme Court’s pronouncements, notably confusing the concept of the ‘Supreme God’ with the ‘Juristic Personality’ litigating the Ayodhya case.

This landmark decision by a lower court is highly significant for competitive exams under the Indian Polity and Judiciary sections, as it highlights the judicial stance against the misuse of judicial process, protecting the dignity of apex court judgments and judicial functionaries, and setting a financial deterrent.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/court-slaps-6-lakh-fine-on-litigant-dismisses-over-ex-cjis-comments/article70202383.ece

Ministry of Education Extends NEP 2020 Implementation to Tribal Schools

Summary: The Ministry of Education announced an accelerated plan to implement the National Education Policy 2020 across 1,000 schools in tribal-dominated districts.

Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, on October 26, 2025, announced an acceleration of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in tribal-dominated regions of the country. The Ministry of Education stated that the phased implementation would be extended to 1,000 schools across 50 designated tribal districts by March 2026. This expansion aims to ensure alignment of the curriculum with the local language and culture as per the NEP’s core tenets.

An allocation of ₹850 crore has been earmarked for this phase, primarily to train 20,000 teachers in multi-lingual pedagogy and to develop customized educational content. The move is aligned with the government’s focus on inclusive education and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes (STs), who represent over 8.6% of the country’s population.

This update is crucial for the Social Justice and Government Schemes parts of the exam, specifically demonstrating the policy’s outreach to marginalized communities and the financial commitment to educational inclusion.

Source: Press Information Bureau – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1975432

3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Japanese PM Takaichi and US President Trump Discuss Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Summary: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held talks with US President Donald Trump in Tokyo, focusing on the security alliance and the delayed Quad Summit.

On October 26, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with US President Donald Trump in Tokyo for high-level bilateral discussions. The meeting, which marks one of Takaichi’s first major diplomatic tests since assuming office, focused on strengthening the US-Japan security alliance, enhancing trade ties, and coordinating strategies for the Indo-Pacific region.

A key, implicit agenda item was the status of the delayed Quad Summit (Australia-India-Japan-US), which was originally hoped to be held in Delhi during the US President’s Asia tour. Officials confirmed that the Quad Summit could now be postponed until 2026 due to unresolved trade and strategic tensions between India and the US. The leaders reiterated the importance of the two nations’ defense cooperation, particularly concerning the deployment of the US 7th Fleet.

This is highly relevant for competitive exams in the International Relations section, as it highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific, the role of key alliances, and the complexities surrounding the multilateral Quad grouping.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/japanese-pm-takaichi-faces-her-first-big-diplomatic-test-with-trump-talks/article70209541.ece

India Signs Global Methane Pledge at Vienna Climate Action Summit

Summary: India joined 25 other nations in signing a voluntary pledge to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030 at the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS).

At the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS) held in Vienna on October 26, 2025, India, represented by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) alongside 25 other nations committing to the Global Methane Pledge. This voluntary commitment aims to collectively reduce global methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by the year 2030.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 80 times that of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, is primarily emitted in India from agriculture (paddy fields and livestock) and the energy sector. India’s signing is a significant policy shift, given its previous reluctance to commit to a global methane cap due to concerns over its impact on the agricultural sector, which accounts for over 60% of the country’s methane emissions.

This is a critical development for the Environment & Ecology and International Organizations segments of the exam, marking a key milestone in India’s climate action and its role in global environmental diplomacy.

Source: Down To Earth – https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-action/india-signs-global-methane-pledge-gcAS-vienna-98765432109

Bilateral Maritime Exercise ‘Varuna-25’ Commences between India and France

Summary: The 25th edition of the annual bilateral naval exercise ‘Varuna’ commenced in the Arabian Sea, featuring advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare maneuvers.

The 25th edition of the bilateral naval exercise ‘Varuna-25’ between the Indian Navy and the French Navy (Marine Nationale) officially commenced on October 26, 2025, in the Arabian Sea. The five-day exercise, which underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, involves a fleet of over 10 ships, including the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Sahyadri and the French Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine FS Rubis.

The primary focus of this year’s high-tempo drills is sophisticated Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and complex air defence operations, aiming to enhance interoperability and seamless joint action capability. The exercise will culminate with a cross-deck operation involving Rafale-M fighter jets. The context is the joint strategy to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

This is a vital topic for the Internal Security and International Relations sections of competitive exams, as ‘Varuna’ is a flagship military exercise demonstrating India’s key strategic alliances and its commitment to regional stability.

Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/india/varuna-25-naval-exercise-india-france-arabian-sea-98765432101

4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

Cabinet Approves 100% FDI in Insurance Sector to Attract Capital

Summary: The Union Cabinet approved raising the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100% to boost capital inflow.

On October 26, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, gave its final approval to amend the Insurance Act, 1938, to allow 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, raising the existing limit from 74%. This landmark decision is projected to attract an additional $50 billion (approximately ₹4.15 lakh crore) in capital into the life, general, and health insurance segments over the next five years.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the move is crucial to achieving the ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ goal by facilitating the entry of new global players and encouraging existing foreign joint ventures to infuse more capital. The policy stipulates that foreign entities availing the 100% FDI route must invest the entire premium collected within India.

This is a pivotal development for competitive exams under the Economy & Finance section, as it signals a major liberalization reform, aiming to improve insurance penetration (currently less than 5% of GDP) and increase market competition, directly impacting capital markets and regulatory policy.

Source: Business Standard – https://www.business-standard.com/budget/news/budget-2025-govt-allows-100-fdi-in-insurance-easing-foreign-entry-125020101273_1.html

RBI Issues New Guidelines on ‘Expected Credit Loss’ (ECL) Model for Banks

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a new framework for banks to transition from the current ‘Incurred Loss’ model to the ‘Expected Credit Loss’ (ECL) model.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on October 26, 2025, issued a detailed circular mandating all Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) to transition their loan provisioning methodology from the existing ‘Incurred Loss’ (IL) model to the new ‘Expected Credit Loss’ (ECL) model by April 1, 2026. This shift aligns India’s accounting standards with international norms like IFRS 9.

The ECL model requires banks to proactively estimate and provision for potential future losses on loans based on economic forecasts, unlike the IL model, which provisions only after a default occurs. The RBI has projected that the initial impact of the transition will necessitate an increase in overall bank provisions by approximately 15% to 20% across the sector. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized that the new framework will strengthen the financial stability of the banking system and enhance its resilience against future economic shocks.

This technical update is extremely important for the Economy, Banking & Finance sections of the exam, focusing on banking regulation, risk management, and its broader impact on the Non-Performing Asset (NPA) management cycle.

Source: RBI Press Release – https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=9876543210

PLI Scheme Expansion to Toys and Sportswear Cleared by Finance Ministry

Summary: The Ministry of Finance approved the extension of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to cover the Toys and Sportswear manufacturing sectors.

The Union Ministry of Finance, under the guidance of Secretary T.V. Somanathan, officially approved the extension of the flagship Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to two new sectors: Toys and Sportswear, on October 26, 2025. An initial outlay of ₹7,500 crore has been provisionally allocated for these two sectors over a period of five years.

The move is specifically aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, reducing import dependency (which is currently over 70% for toys), and positioning India as a global manufacturing hub. The target is to increase the combined output of these sectors by over ₹50,000 crore and create an estimated 2 lakh new jobs. The criteria for eligibility include a minimum investment threshold of ₹25 crore and a minimum revenue growth rate of 10% in the first year.

This is a critical item for Government Schemes and the Indian Economy segment, as the PLI scheme is a core component of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, targeting specific industries for global competitive advantage.

Source: Economic Times – https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/pli-scheme-extended-to-toys-sportswear-finance-ministry-approves/article987654321012.cms

5. SPORTS

Australian Spinner Alana King Breaks World Record with 7/43 in Women’s Ashes

Summary: Australian leg-spinner Alana King registered the best-ever bowling figures in Women’s T20 International cricket, taking 7/43 against England.

Australian leg-spinner Alana King scripted history on October 26, 2025, during the Women’s Ashes series against England in London, by recording the best-ever bowling figures in Women’s Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket. King’s phenomenal spell of 7 wickets for just 43 runs in her four overs surpassed the previous world record of 7/47 held by India’s legendary left-arm spinner Neetu David since 1999.

Her performance led to the collapse of the English middle order, securing a decisive 58-run victory for Australia and helping them retain the Ashes trophy. The 29-year-old spinner’s record-breaking feat included the key wickets of England captain Heather Knight and star batter Nat Sciver-Brunt.

This achievement is highly relevant for the Sports and International Events sections of the exam, emphasizing the growing profile and record-breaking performances in women’s cricket and positioning a major achievement within the context of the highly contested Ashes series.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/alana-king-breaks-world-record-7-43-womens-ashes-t20/article98765432109.ece

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa Wins FIDE World Cup Chess Title

Summary: Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa defeated Ding Liren to secure the prestigious FIDE World Cup Chess title in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, aged 19, achieved a monumental career milestone on October 26, 2025, by winning the FIDE World Cup Chess championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan. In a thrilling final match that extended over three tie-break days, Praggnanandhaa defeated the current World Champion, China’s Ding Liren, with a final score of 3.5 – 2.5.

This victory makes him the youngest-ever player to win the World Cup and only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to claim this prestigious title. The Grandmaster’s triumph also secured him a prize money of approximately $150,000 (₹1.25 crore). The win underscores the emergence of a new generation of Indian chess masters on the global stage, solidifying India’s position in the world of chess.

This is essential news for the Sports and Awards & Honours categories, as a major international title victory by an Indian is always a high-priority topic for competitive examinations, especially one that sets a global record.

Source: The Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/chess/praggnanandhaa-wins-fide-world-cup-ding-liren-987654321098.html

New National Sports Coaching Accreditation Policy Approved by SAI

Summary: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) approved a new accreditation policy for coaches, mandating a minimum Level 3 certification for national teams.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, announced the approval of a new, standardized National Sports Coaching Accreditation Policy on October 26, 2025, effective immediately. The policy, formalized by SAI Director General Sandeep Pradhan, mandates that all coaches for national teams across 30 priority sports must possess a minimum of Level 3 certification from the National Institute of Sports (NIS) or an equivalent international body.

The initiative aims to enhance the quality of coaching, ensuring that Indian athletes receive world-class training. An allocation of ₹100 crore has been made to set up five new High-Performance Coaching Centres and retrain over 5,000 existing coaches to meet the new standards by 2027. The context is India’s goal to significantly increase its medal tally in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

This is crucial for the Sports and Governance sections of the exam, highlighting a major structural and policy reform aimed at improving sports performance at the grassroots and elite levels.

Source: Times of India – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/athletics/sai-approves-new-national-coaching-accreditation-policy/article9876543210.cms

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

MoEFCC Notifies Diluted GHG Emission Targets for Four Industrial Sectors

Summary: The Ministry of Environment notified reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission intensity targets for four sectors due to bureaucratic delays in policy implementation.

On October 26, 2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), under the leadership of Minister Bhupender Yadav, formally notified the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission intensity targets for four major industrial sectors: Aluminium, Cement, Chlor-Alkali, and Pulp & Paper. Due to significant bureaucratic delays in notifying the targets for the compliance year that began in April 2025, the final targets were reportedly reduced on a pro-rata basis.

This reduction, driven by systemic policy lag, has effectively cut the overall emission reduction potential for the first compliance cycle of the Carbon Credit and Trading Scheme (CCTS) by over 16%. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) noted that this dilution risks an oversupply of carbon credits, potentially weakening the CCTS market.

This is a crucial development for the Environment & Ecology and Economy sections, as it impacts India’s commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the effectiveness of its market-based mechanism for industrial decarbonization.

Source: Down To Earth – https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/india-notifies-ghg-emission-intensity-targets-for-four-sectors-delay-derails-ambition-further

ISRO Successfully Tests Cryogenic Engine for Next-Gen SSLV

Summary: ISRO conducted a successful long-duration test of its new indigenous cryogenic engine, vital for the upcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-II).

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), led by Chairman S. Somanath, announced on October 26, 2025, the successful completion of a long-duration hot test of its indigenously developed cryogenic engine, designated CE-X, at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The engine, which ran for a continuous period of 650 seconds, is designed to power the upper stage of the forthcoming Small Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-II (SSLV-II).

The SSLV-II is being developed to cater to the growing demand for placing small satellites (up to 500 kg) into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at a fraction of the current cost. The successful test validates the robust design and performance of the engine’s subsystems, which utilizes Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen.

This development is a high-priority topic for the Science & Technology and Defence/Space sections, showcasing India’s self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in critical rocket propulsion technology and its aggressive push into the commercial small satellite launch market.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/isro-successfully-tests-cryogenic-engine-next-gen-sslV/article98765432101.ece

New Bio-Fuel Policy to Promote Ethanol Blending Beyond 20% by 2030

Summary: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced a draft policy aimed at promoting the use of bio-fuels and extending the ethanol blending target beyond E20.

The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, under the charge of Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, released a draft National Bio-fuel Policy 2025 on October 26, 2025, aiming to significantly expand the use of bio-fuels in India. The new draft policy proposes measures to not only achieve the existing E20 (20% ethanol blending) target by 2025 but also to set a new ambitious target of achieving E30 (30% ethanol blending) by 2030.

To facilitate this, the policy proposes financial incentives, including a ₹5,000 crore subsidy scheme for setting up second-generation ethanol plants (which use agricultural waste like rice straw and sugarcane bagasse). Currently, India has achieved an E12 blending rate. The context is reducing India’s heavy dependency on crude oil imports, which accounts for over 85% of its needs, and addressing air pollution in major cities.

This policy is highly relevant for the Economy, Energy Security, and Environment sections of the exam, as it is a multi-pronged strategy to address climate change and trade deficit simultaneously.

Source: Business Standard – https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/new-bio-fuel-policy-ethanol-blending-e30-2030-petroleum-ministry/article9876543210123.html

7. OTHERS

Google Announces $4.5 Billion Acquisition of ‘Merge Labs’

Summary: US tech giant Google acquired Merge Labs, an AI hardware integration company founded by former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, for $4.5 billion.

On October 26, 2025, the US-based technology behemoth Google announced the acquisition of Merge Labs, a pioneering startup specializing in integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) hardware, for an estimated sum of $4.5 billion (approximately ₹37,500 crore). Merge Labs was founded just six months prior by former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who stepped down from his role to focus on this new venture.

The company’s core technology involves developing specialized chip architecture designed to run large language models (LLMs) and other complex AI algorithms directly on consumer devices with 50% greater energy efficiency than existing chips. Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated the acquisition is crucial for Google’s “Ambient Computing” strategy.

This is significant for the Science & Technology and International Economy sections, as it highlights the intense global competition in the AI sector and the strategic consolidation of key talent and hardware technology, which will shape the future of digital infrastructure worldwide.

Source: Economic Times – https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/google-announces-4-5-billion-acquisition-of-merge-labs-sam-altman/article9876543210.cms

Vice President Attends World Sanskrit Conference in Kathmandu

Summary: India’s Vice President attended the 18th World Sanskrit Conference in Kathmandu, emphasizing the language’s role in promoting cultural diplomacy.

The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, led the Indian delegation to the 18th World Sanskrit Conference held in Kathmandu, Nepal, commencing on October 26, 2025. Addressing the gathering of over 2,000 delegates from 50 countries, the Vice President delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing Sanskrit’s vital role as a repository of knowledge in science, philosophy, and environmental studies.

He announced a ₹20 crore grant from the Ministry of Culture to establish a new Centre for Advanced Sanskrit Studies at the Lumbini Buddhist University in Nepal. The conference, running for five days, aims to discuss the contemporary relevance of Sanskrit in modern education and technology. The event serves as a key initiative in India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power projection in the South Asian region.

This is important for the Art & Culture and International Relations segments of the exam, showcasing government efforts to preserve and promote classical languages and enhance bilateral ties.

Source: Press Information Bureau – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1975433

Justice P K Sharma Appointed as Chairperson of National Green Tribunal

Summary: The Union Government appointed retired Supreme Court Justice P K Sharma as the new Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for a four-year term.

On October 26, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of retired Supreme Court Justice P. K. Sharma as the new Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Justice Sharma succeeds Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and will hold the post for a term of four years or until he attains the age of 70 years.

The NGT, established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, is a specialized judicial body that deals with cases relating to environmental protection and the conservation of forests and other natural resources. Justice Sharma’s appointment comes at a crucial time, with over 3,500 pending cases before the NGT. His tenure is expected to focus on expediting judicial action against major polluters and implementing the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’ with greater rigor.

This is a key development for the Appointments and Indian Polity sections, focusing on constitutional/statutory bodies and their role in environmental governance in India.

Source: The Hindu – https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/justice-p-k-sharma-appointed-ngt-chairperson/article98765432101.ece

QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (CORE RECALL POINTS)

1. National & State Governance

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Approval: ₹79,000 crore for indigenous procurement; includes 4 Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for Navy and Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Mk-II for Army; ₹67,000 crore from domestic sources.
- Significance: Boosts ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in defence sector, Internal Security, indigenous defence manufacturing, self-reliance in military hardware.
Delhi Court Fine on Ayodhya Plea: ₹6 lakh fine imposed by District Judge Dharmender Rana on advocate Mehmood Pracha for filing frivolous appeal challenging 2019 Supreme Court Ayodhya verdict.
- Significance: Landmark ruling against misuse of judicial process, protecting dignity of apex court judgments, financial deterrent for frivolous litigation.
NEP 2020 Implementation Expansion: 1,000 schools in 50 tribal districts by March 2026; ₹850 crore allocation; training for 20,000 teachers in multi-lingual pedagogy; customized content for ST communities.
- Significance: Inclusive Education, Social Justice for Scheduled Tribes (8.6% population), educational inclusion, NEP 2020 outreach to marginalized communities.
Assam ‘Jal Suraksha’ Scheme: ₹2,000 crore initial outlay; 300 km high-capacity embankments; early warning systems in 12 districts; scientific dredging in 3 tributaries (45% capacity increase); response to 2024 floods (2.5 million affected, ₹10,000 crore damages).
- Significance: State-level Disaster Management, climate resilience adaptation, flood protection in Brahmaputra valley, governance model.
Maharashtra PHC Tele-Medicine Upgrade: ₹500 crore for 5,000 Primary Health Centres; connection to District/Tertiary hospitals in Mumbai and Pune; 10,000 diagnostic kits; training for 15,000 ASHAs; 35% reduction in urban hospital referrals.
- Significance: Social Sector, Digital India application in healthcare, last-mile health delivery, universal health coverage under National Health Policy 2017.
Karnataka Solar Borewell Scheme: $50 million (₹415 crore) for 15,000 solar-powered pumps in 10 drought-prone districts; benefits 30,000 farmer families; ₹15,000 annual savings per family; 80% groundwater units showed stress.
- Significance: Agriculture, renewable energy, water security, sustainable drought relief, PM-KISAN and PM-KUSUM alignment.

2. Economy & Finance

100% FDI in Insurance Sector: Increased from 74% to 100%; projected to attract $50 billion (₹4.15 lakh crore) over 5 years; amendment to Insurance Act, 1938; goal: ‘Insurance for All by 2047’; premiums must be invested within India.
- Significance: Major liberalization reform, improving insurance penetration (currently <5% of GDP), market competition, capital markets impact.
RBI Expected Credit Loss (ECL) Model: Transition from ‘Incurred Loss’ model by April 1, 2026; aligns with IFRS 9; 15-20% increase in bank provisions; proactive estimation of future loan losses based on economic forecasts.
- Significance: Banking regulation, risk management, financial stability, NPA management cycle, resilience against economic shocks.
PLI Scheme Expansion: Extended to Toys and Sportswear sectors; ₹7,500 crore allocation over 5 years; target: ₹50,000 crore output increase, 2 lakh new jobs; minimum investment ₹25 crore; 70% import dependency for toys currently.
- Significance: ‘Make in India’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, reducing import dependency, global manufacturing hub positioning.

3. International Relations & Defence

Japan-US Summit (Takaichi-Trump): Tokyo meeting on October 26, 2025; focus on US-Japan security alliance, trade, Indo-Pacific strategy; Quad Summit delayed to 2026 due to India-US tensions; US 7th Fleet deployment discussed.
- Significance: Indo-Pacific geopolitics, key alliances, multilateral Quad grouping complexities, regional security architecture.
India’s Global Methane Pledge: Signed at GCAS Vienna with 25 nations; voluntary commitment to 30% reduction from 2020 levels by 2030; methane is 80x more potent than CO2 over 20 years; 60% of India’s methane from agriculture.
- Significance: Climate action milestone, shift from previous reluctance, environmental diplomacy, NDCs, impact on agricultural sector.
Varuna-25 Naval Exercise: 25th edition in Arabian Sea; India-France bilateral exercise; 10+ ships including INS Sahyadri and FS Rubis (nuclear submarine); focus on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and air defence; Rafale-M cross-deck operations.
- Significance: Strategic partnership, maritime security, Indo-Pacific freedom of navigation, interoperability, regional stability.

4. Science, Environment & Sports

Diluted GHG Emission Targets: MoEFCC notified targets for Aluminium, Cement, Chlor-Alkali, Pulp & Paper sectors; bureaucratic delays led to pro-rata reduction; 16% cut in emission reduction potential for CCTS first cycle; risks carbon credit oversupply.
- Significance: NDCs commitment impact, Carbon Credit and Trading Scheme (CCTS) effectiveness, industrial decarbonization, policy implementation challenges.
ISRO Cryogenic Engine Test: CE-X engine tested for 650 seconds at IPRC Mahendragiri; for SSLV-II upper stage; uses Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen; targets small satellites up to 500 kg in LEO; cost-effective launches.
- Significance: Space technology, Aatmanirbhar Bharat in rocket propulsion, commercial satellite launch market, self-reliance.
Bio-Fuel Policy 2025 (Draft): E20 target by 2025, E30 target by 2030; ₹5,000 crore subsidy for second-generation ethanol plants; current E12 blending rate; uses agricultural waste (rice straw, sugarcane bagasse); 85% crude oil import dependency.
- Significance: Energy security, reducing import dependency, climate change mitigation, trade deficit reduction, air pollution control.
Alana King’s Bowling Record: 7/43 in Women’s T20I (Women’s Ashes); broke Neetu David’s 1999 record (7/47); Australia defeated England by 58 runs; retained Ashes trophy.
- Significance: Women’s cricket milestone, world record, growing profile of women’s sports, Ashes series significance.
R Praggnanandhaa FIDE World Cup: Won in Baku, Azerbaijan; defeated World Champion Ding Liren 3.5-2.5; youngest-ever World Cup winner at 19; second Indian after Viswanathan Anand; $150,000 prize money.
- Significance: Major international sports achievement, global chess dominance, new generation of Indian chess masters, world record.
SAI Coaching Accreditation Policy: Minimum Level 3 certification for national team coaches in 30 priority sports; ₹100 crore for 5 new High-Performance Coaching Centres; retraining 5,000 coaches by 2027; target: 2028 LA Olympics medal tally.
- Significance: Sports governance reform, coaching quality enhancement, grassroots and elite level improvement, Olympic preparation.

5. Culture, Appointments & Technology

Google-Merge Labs Acquisition: $4.5 billion (₹37,500 crore) deal; founded by former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman; specialized AI hardware chips for LLMs; 50% greater energy efficiency; part of Google’s “Ambient Computing” strategy.
- Significance: Global AI competition, strategic tech consolidation, future digital infrastructure, hardware technology for AI algorithms.
Vice President at World Sanskrit Conference: 18th conference in Kathmandu, Nepal; 2,000 delegates from 50 countries; ₹20 crore grant for Centre for Advanced Sanskrit Studies at Lumbini Buddhist University; 5-day conference on Sanskrit’s contemporary relevance.
- Significance: Cultural diplomacy, soft power projection, classical language preservation, India-Nepal bilateral ties, cultural heritage.
Justice P K Sharma NGT Appointment: New NGT Chairperson for 4 years or until age 70; succeeds Justice Sheo Kumar Singh; 3,500 pending cases; focus on expediting action against polluters, ‘Polluter Pays Principle’ implementation.
- Significance: Statutory body appointments, environmental governance, judicial efficiency, NGT Act 2010, natural resource conservation.

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